The awards and recognition program of the Member and Geographic Activities Board (MGA) is designed to promote, recognize, and reward excellence in promoting the interests of IEEE as reflected in the operations of MGA and IEEE geographic unit activities (Regions, Councils, Areas, Sections, Chapters, Affinity Groups, Student Branches, and Student Branch Chapters). The MGA awards and recognition program is administered by the MGA Awards and Recognition Committee (MGA ARC).

At its 22 November 2014 meeting, the IEEE MGA Board approved the 2014 MGA Award recipients. The MGA Awards and Recognition Committee received many nominations recognizing the accomplishments of candidates whose contributions encompass the vision, mission, and goals of MGA. On behalf of the MGA Board and the MGA Awards and Recognition Committee, thank you to all the members who took the time to submit nominations.

On 21 June 2014, the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Board approved the recipient of the 2014 MGA William W. Middleton Distinguished Service Award:

Joseph V. LillieRegion 5– Lafayette, LA, USA“For a life of committed and distinguished action for all members of IEEE.”

The purpose of the MGA William W. Middleton Distinguished Service Award is to honor an individual who, over a long and sustained period of leadership, contributed in an exemplary manner to Member and Geographic Activities (MGA), its activities and achievements, and the attainment of its strategic goals. The award, presented every three years, is named for William W. Middleton, who for over 40 years was associated with and contributed to the growth and maturation of the Regional Activities Board (now MGA) through service on it and its various committees and task forces; he was chosen to be the first recipient.

Congratulations to the Bangalore, Croatia, and Panama Sections for being selected for these awards "for successful efforts in fulfilling the educational and scientific goals of IEEE for the benefit of the public by maintaining, enhancing, and supporting the Student Branches, Technical Chapters, and affinity groups within their geographic boundaries."

This year’s recipients, as well as previous recipients, are listed on the MGA Outstanding Section Awards Web page. There is also a section of the page highlighting some of the 2013 calendar year activities of the recipients and nominees.

MGA presents Friend of IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Awards, which specifically recognize support provided to IEEE and its members in support of its goals, by firms, divisions of firms, or individuals. Nominators can submit individuals or organizations for Friend Awards, and awards can be earned at the Supporting or Sustaining level. Please complete the online award nomination form. There is no deadline for these awards; they can be distributed throughout the year.